Book Lust

I did something on Friday that I rarely do anymore. Something that made me feel almost guilty as if I’d eaten a 3-scoop hot fudge sundae.

What was this horrid act you might ask?

I spent a half hour in a bookstore.

Now anyone who knows me knows that there are many things in life I would give up. But books aren’t one of them. In this hubby and I differ. He just doesn’t get it. I would love nothing more than to have a room filled wall to wall with books. He considers the three bookcases in our office to be “clutter”.

In 2008, he bought me one of Amazon’s first Kindles (1) because he thought I’d like it and (2) in hopes that I wouldn’t buy anymore physical books. I admit to eyeing it with suspicion originally. How could this electronic thing replace the smell of an old book, the feel of the pages and how could shopping online possibly compare to uninterrupted time in a book store?

I have to admit that it hooked me though. It’s easy and light and I no longer worry about finishing the book I’m reading when I’m traveling and having no other to pick up in its place. In short, I love it. And so, aside from the bookstores in airports when I’ve been killing time and writing down titles that I want to sample on my little electronic bookcase, I’ve had no reason to go to a bookstore.

But this week we head to New Orleans for hubby’s birthday. And I needed a map. And it turned out to be the one thing that Ama.zon didn’t have. And I have to admit it was a heady experience. A dieter walking into an ice cream store kind of feeling. I felt like I was cheating on my Kindle. I felt like I didn’t deserve to be there anymore even though I’ve spent a great percentage of my life browsing through bookshelves (either at a store, library, or person’s house because that’s the first thing I gravitate towards).

I think I need to start to do it more. Not necessarily to buy anything (and yes, there is guilt associated with that too because I would hate to be part of the cause of the demise of the local bookseller) but to feel part of it again – to be surrounded by people who like to read (even if I don’t know them and an unlikely to even talk to them).

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Not much to catch up with on the adoption front. The FBI has now had our paperwork for 8 weeks. They estimate 8-10 for processing. It is the last piece of this current puzzle and so we continue to wait…….

After much angst I now have an updated medical form from my country doctor. They don’t have access to a notary and she had the gall to ask me to ask another doctor’s (in another office) notary to sign it without her there. Which of course is illegal and she wouldn’t do. But one of the nurse’s mother is a notary and she did it. So I have it in hand. Once we’re registered I’m switching…..I don’t need additional stress in this process….

Responses

I LOVE my kindle!!!!! I have read SO many books since we have been registered with the MOJ!!! I have a shelfari gadget on the side of my blog. I have read some great books!!! What is the best book you have read in the recent past??

On the adoption front, i feel your pain about the MD and the notary situation. I asked a notary from a bank near the MD office to come with me to pick up papers. Once people hear adoption many are willing to help and go a little out of the way

Amie – I tried to post on your site but gremlins got to it or something. Our FBI papers were logged in on November 21 and we’re still waiting…I’m sure the holidays haven’t helped but it’s now nearing 9 weeks (and they still haven’t cashed the check!).

I’m currently reading the official biography of the Queen Mother, which is great. The last great book I read…..was probably The Help by Kathryn Stockett.

switch doctors, my husband has a terrible doctors office and when we have to renew all our paperwork he will be visiting my doctor. Do it now before you get more headaches. I would check with the fbi about your fingerprints ours took 2-4 weeks.

I too *heart* my Kindle. We’re currently living in Japan with my husband’s family and as you can imagine, access to the printed ENGLISH word is sparse (and pricey!). Thank heaves for Kindles and amazons amazing book selection for the Kindle. I’m currently reading Olive Kitteridge for a book club. Oh, and Fire by Kristin Cashore. Such fun stuff!

How maddening to have to wait and wait and wait some more….Gov’t efficiency at its best!